Is there a difference?

[Van I.]

My father-inlaw has a huge spool of 4awg wire he used at his job. It only has about 6-8 strands of thick wires inside. Is there any difference between that and 4awg wire that has many thin strands of wire inside?

 

[Crankcase]

4 guage is still 4 guage, it is just different manufactuers....

 

[DarkFox1]

4 awg for home use and 4 awg for automotive use are different.. as you noticed heh, I dont think theres a problem with using this kind of wiring, but its a better idea if you stick with the stuff made for automotive purposes. with the larger wires in the home stuff you may have EMI and will definatley have issues fighting this thick inflexible home wiring into the curvey confines of your floorboard.

 

[MrExplorer]

4 awg is rated for the same current regardless of the strands. The only difference would be is the More strands=more flexability. If you can deal with it stiffness there is no problem using it. Also most industrial grade wires have a better insualtion (Oil\heat resistance) My $.002